Wiper blade lift system

Abstract

A wiper system for clearing an outer surface of a window is disclosed and includes an arm, a frame, a blade, and an actuator operatively connected to the arm. The arm includes a parked position and defines a proximate end portion and a distal end portion. The arm is pivotable about the proximate end portion of the arm out of the parked position. The frame is pivotally connected to the distal end portion of the arm. The frame defines a lengthwise distance. The blade extends along at least a lengthwise portion of the frame. The blade defines an edge that is configured to contact the outer surface of the window when the arm is in the parked position. The actuator is configured to exert a force against the arm that is sufficient to urge the arm out of the parked position and away from the outer surface of the window.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A wiper system for clearing an outer surface of a window, the wiper system comprising:
 an arm having a parked position and defining a proximate end portion and a distal end portion, the arm being pivotable about the proximate end portion of the arm out of the parked position; 
 a frame pivotally connected to the distal end portion of the arm, wherein the frame defines a lengthwise distance; 
 a blade extending along at least a lengthwise portion of the frame, wherein the blade defines an edge that is configured to contact the outer surface of the window when the arm is in the parked position; and 
 an actuator operatively connected to the arm, wherein the actuator is configured to exert a force against the arm that is sufficient to urge the arm out of the parked position and away from the outer surface of the window to lift the blade from the outer surface of the window, the actuator comprising a lift element having a first surface and an engagement surface, the first surface being positioned to face the arm and the engagement surface being positioned opposite the first surface, the actuator comprising a pivot arm having a first end and a second end, the first end being operatively connected to a cable and the second end being operatively connected to a spring-loaded stopper, the spring-loaded stopper being biased against the pivot arm such that when a force is exerted on the first end by the cable, the pivot arm rotates about a pivot point biasing the stopper into engagement with the engagement surface to move the lift element and urge the arm out of the parked position and lift the blade from the outer surface of the window. 
 
     
     
       2. The wiper system of  claim 1 , further comprising a linkage, wherein the linkage connects the proximate end portion of the arm to a rotational shaft. 
     
     
       3. The wiper system of  claim 2 , wherein the arm oscillates about the rotational shaft during operation of the wiper system. 
     
     
       4. The wiper system of  claim 1 , wherein the window is one of a windshield of a vehicle, a back glass of the vehicle, or is part of a headlight of the vehicle. 
     
     
       5. The wiper system of  claim 1 , comprising a motor operatively connected to the arm by a plurality of linkages. 
     
     
       6. The wiper system of  claim 1 , further comprising a tensioning spring operatively coupled to the arm. 
     
     
       7. A system for a vehicle, comprising:
 a window defining an outer surface; 
 a wiper system including at least one wiper and a rotating shaft, wherein the wiper oscillates about the rotational shaft to clear the outer surface of the window, wherein the wiper includes:
 an arm having a parked position and defining a proximate end portion and a distal end portion, the arm being pivotable about the proximate end portion of the arm out of the parked position; 
 a frame pivotally connected to the distal end portion of the arm, wherein the frame defines a lengthwise distance; 
 a blade extending along at least a lengthwise portion of the frame, wherein the blade defines an edge that is configured to contact the outer surface of the window when the arm is in the parked position; and 
 an actuator operatively connected to the arm, wherein the actuator is configured to exert a force against the arm that is sufficient to urge the arm out of the parked position and away from the outer surface of the window to lift the blade from the outer surface of the window, the actuator comprising a lift element having a first surface and an engagement surface, the first surface being positioned to face the arm and the engagement surface being positioned opposite the first surface, the actuator comprising a pivot arm having a first end and a second end, the first end being operatively connected to a cable and the second end being operatively connected to a spring-loaded stopper, the spring-loaded stopper being biased against the pivot arm such that when a force is exerted on the first end by the cable, the pivot arm rotates about a pivot point biasing the stopper into engagement with the engagement surface to move the lift element and urge the arm out of the parked position and lift the blade from the outer surface of the window. 
 
 
     
     
       8. The wiper system of  claim 7 , further comprising a linkage, wherein the linkage connects the proximate end portion of the arm to the rotational shaft.